Battle of Rivoli

The Battle of Rivoli (14-15 January 1797) was a major battle of the Italian Campaign of the War of the First Coalition. The battle occurred in the town of Rivoli Veronese, Italy, and the battle saw the French Armee d'Italie end Austria's fourth and final attempt to relieve the Siege of Mantua.

In January 1797, the Austrian general Jozsef Alvinczi planned to relieve Mantua from the French siege by rushing Barthelemy Catherine Joubert's 10,000-strong French army with 28,000 Austrian troops. Joubert held off the attacks before being joined by Louis-Alexandre Berthier; Napoleon Bonaparte then brought up elements of Andre Massena's division to support Joubert's defensive positions. Bonaparte focused on destroying Peter Vitus von Quosdanovich's column, knowing that its elimination was vital to success in the battle. Charles Leclerc's brigade launched a frontal assault against Quosdanovich as Joubert's men provided flanking fire, and the Austrians would be forced to retreat after suffering heavy losses. The Austrians failed in their last attempt to relieve Mantua, and the French scored a major victory.